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Abuse is 'grievous sin' and perpetrators will face wrath of God, President Nelson says

President Russell M. Nelson sits as he speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday.

President Russell M. Nelson sits as he speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)


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SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson denounced abuse as a grievous sin and an abomination at the close of the Saturday morning session of the 192nd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Sitting on a stool at the pulpit in the Conference Center during a brief, five-minute talk, President Nelson decried abuse.

"Abuse constitutes the influence of the adversary. It is a grievous sin," he said. "As president of the church, I affirm the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ on this issue. Let me be perfectly clear: Any kind of abuse of women, children or anyone is an abomination to the Lord.

"He grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed. He mourns, and we all mourn, for each person who has fallen victim to abuse of any kind. Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man, but will also face the wrath of Almighty God."

President Nelson also described the abuse prevention resources the church publishes on its website. This is the first conference since the Associated Press published a national story about sexual abuse committed by a late, former Latter-day Saint against his own children. The story questioned the church's response to the crimes.

"For decades now, the church has taken extensive measures to protect — in particular — children from abuse. There are many aids on the church website," he said. "I invite you to study them. These guidelines are in place to protect the innocent. I urge each of us to be alert to anyone who might be in danger of being abused and to act promptly to protect them. The Savior will not tolerate abuse, and as his disciples, neither can we."

After his talk, President Nelson posted an explanation on his social media channels about why he was sitting when he spoke in conference.

"Some noticed that I sat on a chair to deliver my message this morning. What a help that was! The other day it occurred to me that I have been alive during nearly half of the number of years since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in 1830. That is a lot of years — even though I don't feel old. My wife Wendy insists that she still can't get me to act my age. But I will admit that sometimes even small adjustments — such as a chair — help those of us who 'age on stage.'

"I may not ski black diamond runs anymore, but whether standing or seated, I delight in speaking and hearing words of truth. And this weekend will be filled with them. I hope you will join me in savoring the beautiful messages that still lie ahead."

In his talk, President Nelson, who has announced 100 temples since being sustained as the church's 17th president and prophet in 2018, also said the church as a whole rejoices that more temples are being built worldwide.

"With the dedication of each new temple, additional godly power comes into the world to strengthen us and counteracts the intensifying efforts of the adversary," he said.

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Tad Walch
Tad Walch covers The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has filed news stories from five continents and reported from the Olympics, the NBA Finals and the Vatican. Tad grew up in Massachusetts and Washington state, loves the Boston Red Sox and coaches fastpitch softball.

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